Non-Financial Goals for a Richer Life Beyond Money

I find it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers – optimising budgets, tweaking investment portfolios, chasing the best savings rates. And yes, a solid financial foundation is crucial. But what about the other forms of wealth we build? The currency of our time, the richness of our relationships, the dividends of good health?

As I bring my mid-year review series to a close, where I’ve discussed what to focus on, making the process simpler, recalibrating your financial plan, and even finding those marginal gains in your money management, it feels like the perfect moment to broaden our definition of prosperity.

This isn’t about replacing your financial goals; it’s about making them even more meaningful by complementing them. Let’s explore five non-financial goals I think you might consider setting to truly enrich your life for the second half of the year.

Holistic Wealth: Beyond the Balance Sheet

Here at Mostly Boring Finance, I talk a lot about having a better relationship with your money. But let’s be clear: money is simply a tool. It’s a means to an end, not the end itself. The real point of financial planning isn’t just to accumulate pounds and pence; it’s to create the freedom and security to live the life you actually want.

This is where the idea of holistic wealth comes into play. While financial health is certainly a major part of it, true wealth encompasses far more. It’s that blend of financial security, personal well-being, strong relationships, ample time, and a sense of purpose. Think of your money as the engine that gets you somewhere, but these non-financial aspects are the destination and the quality of the journey itself. Without them, even the biggest bank balance can feel hollow. Your financial plan should support your life, not dictate it entirely.

5 Non-Financial Goals for a Richer Second Half

Here are five powerful areas I believe are worth focusing your energy on, beyond just the traditional balance sheet:

1. Cultivate “Time Affluence”

I often talk about financial independence, but have you considered time affluence? This is about intentionally scheduling more free time for pursuits you genuinely love, rather than just letting your diary fill up or defaulting to endless scrolling.

Why it matters: More control over your time generally reduces stress, allows for creativity, and gives you space to simply be. It’s a vital part of finding true life goals beyond money.
Actionable idea: Try blocking out two hours each weekend for a non-negotiable hobby or family activity. Alternatively, identify one task you can delegate, outsource or eliminate to free up 30 minutes a week.

2. Strengthen Key Relationships

Your connections with family and friends are an invaluable source of support, joy, and resilience.

Why it matters: Strong relationships are consistently linked to greater happiness and even longevity. They provide a vital buffer against life’s stresses.
Actionable idea: Dedicate specific, non-distracted time. This could be a weekly “no-phone dinner” with your partner, a monthly walk with a friend, or regular video calls with distant family. Treat it as a proper appointment.

3. Invest in Your Health (Physical & Mental)

Good health isn’t just the absence of illness; it’s the foundation of energy, focus, and long-term well-being. It directly impacts your ability to pursue financial and life goals effectively.

Why it matters: Neglecting your health is often a false economy. Poor health can lead to significant financial costs down the line, and it certainly impacts your quality of life today.
Actionable idea: Set specific, achievable health goals. This might be aiming for 7–8 hours of sleep consistently, integrating a 30-minute brisk walk into your daily routine, or exploring apps for a 10-minute mindfulness exercise each morning.

4. Master a New Skill or Hobby

Engaging in learning or creative pursuits purely for personal enrichment can be incredibly fulfilling.

Why it matters: Learning a new skill builds confidence, keeps your brain sharp, and provides a valuable mental break from work or everyday worries. It’s a form of personal growth that pays non-monetary dividends.
Actionable idea: Consider signing up for a pottery class in your local community, start learning a new language with an app, pick up that musical instrument gathering dust, or commit to reading one non-fiction book a month.

5. Give Back / Contribute

Finding ways to contribute beyond simply earning and spending money can add a profound layer of meaning to your life.

Why it matters: Generosity, whether of time or knowledge, fosters a sense of purpose and connection. It shifts your focus from what you lack to what you can offer, which I find is powerful for overall well-being.
Actionable idea: Volunteer a few hours a month for a local charity, mentor a junior colleague, share your expertise in a community group, or simply commit to being a more attentive listener to those around you.

How to “Budget” for Non-Financial Goals

You wouldn’t expect a financial goal to achieve itself without allocating money. I find the same applies here, but the currency is typically time and energy rather than pounds.

Time-blocking: Just as you schedule work meetings, block out time in your calendar for your non-financial pursuits. A “health slot” or a “relationship call” becomes something you don’t easily skip.
Micro-habits: Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Small, consistent actions compound. A 10-minute meditation, 5 extra minutes of reading, or a quick text to a friend can all build momentum.
Intentionality: Be deliberate. Ask yourself: “How can I allocate my time this week to move closer to these goals?” This is what I consider true intentional living.

The Compounding Effect of Holistic Goals

Here’s an often-overlooked truth I’ve observed: progress in one area often positively impacts others, including your financial focus. This is what I call the compounding effect of holistic goals.

When you’re well-rested, less stressed, and feel connected to others, you generally have more energy and a clearer mind. This often translates into better decision-making, greater productivity at work (which can subtly improve earning potential), and more discipline with your financial plans. It’s a virtuous cycle. A calmer, more fulfilled you is simply better equipped to manage your money effectively.

Measuring Progress Beyond the Balance Sheet

Of course, you can’t put a neat numerical value on a stronger friendship or a newfound passion, but you can certainly track progress qualitatively.

Feeling more rested? That’s a win for health.
More frequent, deeper conversations with loved ones? A win for relationships.
A sense of accomplishment from mastering a new skill? A win for personal growth.
Reduced mental clutter or a lighter mood? These are indicators of genuine personal progress.

I suggest you focus on these feelings and qualitative shifts, I find journaling helpful with structured prompts for these areas. I believe they are every bit as valid – and often more impactful – than a rising net worth figure.

A truly rich life extends far beyond the numbers in your bank account. By intentionally setting and pursuing non-financial goals, I believe you can cultivate a more balanced, fulfilling, and ultimately, a more prosperous existence for the second half of the year. This aligns perfectly with my view on holistic wealth management. Your money is a tool; ensure it’s helping you craft a life that resonates with your deepest values and brings you genuine joy.

This post officially wraps up our mid-year review series, where I’ve aimed to give you a pragmatic set of tools to not only manage your money better but to truly enrich your life. I might delve deeper into some of these non-financial aspects in future posts, exploring more practical steps to integrate them into your daily routine.

What’s one non-financial goal you’ll prioritise for a richer second half of the year?